Jeremiah Tiangco scores a career milestone with Titulo

MANILA, Philippines — “I’m happy and I feel very blessed that I was able to enter the (entertainment) industry.”

Those were the words of Jeremiah Tiangco when The STAR asked about his thoughts on the rate his career is going in a recent virtual media call. The Cavite lad won The Clash Season 2 in December of last year and secured a ticket to the showbizlandia.

“There are many aspiring singers who dream of making it,” he reflected. “Then I feel (privileged to be) in this situation. I’m just happy.” However, the GMA Music talent felt a bit sad because of the pandemic that has affected businesses and limited what creative people like him can do.

Instead of wallowing in sadness and uncertainty, Jeremiah sees the new normal as a space for some productive discovery.

“I’m also maximizing my time to improve my craft (singing) and at the same time to discover new things (or new set of skills that I can explore) like writing songs,” he said. “Now I can write songs and hopefully, I will be able to release them (soon). I also know how to produce (a song). With Titulo, I did the recording at home. It was challenging but I’m thankful.”

Yes, Titulo is Jeremiah’s debut single, released by GMA Music and available in streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music. The tune narrates a no label relationship that some people get into. In a press statement, Jeremiah shared that Titulo reminds listeners about that special person in their lives who has made them happy for a brief period of time but has left memories and life-lessons that will linger for a long time. Vehnee Saturno, Ebe Dancel, Jungee Marcelo and Top Suzara of the Filscap Master Camp composed the song.

As for the creative process behind Titulo, Jeremiah said that he learned to collaborate and make some compromises. “I’m a soul singer but the song, its beat, kung paano ibato yung lyrics sa kanta, are very, very pop. The challenge, for me, was to put a touch of soul to it.” Yes, The Clash title paved the way for his mainstream singing, while Titulo marks Jeremiah’s recording career.

During the online press conference, Jeremiah shared that he assesses his performances and asks friends for inputs and suggestions. “For me, it’s good that one remains humble (and stays grounded),” said he, who is aware that there’s more to learn for him, especially from those GMA artists who have come before him.

Aside from songwriting, Jeremiah said he has also tried his hand at music producing. He learned its nitty-gritty through “sariling sikap” or self-taught exploration by buying equipment, watching related content on YouTube and practicing. According to Jeremiah, Garrett Bolden, also alum of The Clash, saw his potential in songwriting. One day, they were jamming, recalled Jeremiah, who was playing the guitar then, and Garrett incorporated the lyrics. From there, Jeremiah picked up the idea to develop the melody first and then write the lyrics, “I wrote what I felt at that time,” he said.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a titulo, particularly in the business of entertainment? Jeremiah said having one plays a vital role, let’s say, for name recall in jumpstarting a career and it may also limit one, given the expectations that come with the title, by following his train of thought. He added that going independent helps an artist to “showcase what you are or what you want to do, in terms of artistry and creativity,” but it’s different if a talent is working with a management because the latter knows what suits the former.

With the way things are going in his career, Jeremiah, also seen in All-Out Sundays, is grateful for scoring his debut song and continuing on to make a name for himself.